Exa vs Perplexity
Which Search AI tool is better in 2026?
Exa
Search for AI applications
Perplexity
AI-powered answer engine delivering real-time, cited responses to complex queries.
Side-by-side
| Exa | Perplexity | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Search for AI applications | AI-powered answer engine delivering real-time, cited responses to complex queries. |
| Founded | 2022 | 2022 |
| HQ | San Francisco, US | San Francisco, US |
| Employees | 20-50 | 51-200 |
| Total funding | $17M | $2.0B |
| Latest round | series-a · Nov 2023 | Series F · Sep 2025 |
| Valuation | $150M | $20B |
| Cheapest paid plan | — | Pro · $20/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ Free | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier price | Enterprise · Contact sales | Pro (Annual) · $200/mo |
| Pricing summary | 3 published plans | 2 published plans |
| Categories |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Exa and Perplexity.
| Capability | Exa | Perplexity |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 3 (Python, JavaScript, TypeScript) | 2 (Python, Node.js) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✓ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Exa
- Offers a free trial
- Verified profile
🔵 Strengths of Perplexity
- Has raised more capital ($2.0B vs $17M)
- Higher Neuron score (76 vs 51)
Which should you choose?
Choose Perplexity if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Search tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Perplexity if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.0B, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Exa vs Perplexity — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Exa is the leaner option; Perplexity is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Exa cheaper than Perplexity?
No — Perplexity's cheapest paid plan is Pro · $20/mo, while Exa's is Free.
Do Exa and Perplexity offer free plans?
Exa: Yes, has a free plan. Perplexity: Yes, has a free plan.
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